Ankle pain
Key points
- A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect bones to one another.
- In addition to ankle sprains and other injuries, ankle pain can be caused by arthritis, Gout, pseudogout, and infection.
- Even after the pain subsides, you will need to keep pressure off of it for up to 10 days for a mild sprain and up to 5 weeks for a more severe sprain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), special foot gear, or braces may be prescribed.
Alternative names
Pain - ankle
Definition
Ankle pain involves any discomfort in one or both ankles.
Considerations
Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect bones to one another. In most cases, the ankle is twisted inward, and there are tiny tears in the ligaments that may make the ankle somewhat unstable. This tearing leads to swelling and bruising, making it difficult to bear weight on the joint.
Once an ankle is sprained, the injury may take a few weeks to many months to fully heal. Often, the injured ankle remains a little weaker and less stable than the uninjured one. A proper recovery program can prevent this problem.
Other structures in the ankle that can be damaged and cause pain are tendons (join muscles to bone), cartilage (cushion joints), and blood vessels. Adjacent areas can cause pain to be referred to the ankle - these include the foot, lower leg, knee, and even hip.
Common Causes
In addition to ankle sprains and other injuries, ankle pain can be caused by arthritis, Gout, pseudogout, and infection.
Gout occurs when you produce too much uric acid (a waste product in the body). The extra uric acid gets deposited and forms crystals in joints, rather than being excreted in the urine.
Pseudogout is similar to gout. In this condition, calcium deposits in one or more of your joints, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
The types of arthritis that can cause ankle pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Chronic gouty arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Septic arthritis
Home Care
- If you feel pain in your ankle, rest it for several days. Try NOT to move the affected area.
- If your ankle is unstable, support it, especially during standing or walking. ACE bandages work well. If this does not provide enough support, you may need to be fit for a brace. Crutches or a cane can help take the weight off a sore or unsteady ankle.
- For swelling, keep your foot elevated above the level of the heart, even while sleeping. Ice the area right away. Apply ice for 10-15 minutes every hour for the first day. Then, every 3-4 hours for 2 more days.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.